The Air Force Academy football team's conduct and operations may be subject to an investigation by the U.S. Inspector General. / Isaiah J. Downing, USA TODAY Sports

by USA TODAY Sports, USA TODAY

by USA TODAY Sports, USA TODAY

The Superintendent of the Air Force Academy has called for an investigation of the school's athletic department by the U.S. Inspector General in the wake of a report by the Colorado Springs Gazette that details widespread misconduct in violation of law and the academy's honor code.

The actions detailed in the report, including illicit drug use, a pattern of sexual assaults and academic cheating, were perpetrated between 2010 and 2013 and led to dismissals of four Falcons football players, three men's basketball players, one women's basketball player and nine other cadets. Some received court martials and jail sentences.

The report says the misconduct centered around parties that included use of synthetic marijuana, excessive drinking and spiking beverages with date rape drugs to incapacitate women. The school's Office of Special Investigations began looking into such parties in 2009. One OSI informant said athletes also threatened women about consequences of talking openly about the parties.

Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson released a statement to the Gazette that read in part: "This past behavior was troubling and suggested certain subcultures that were inconsistent with the culture of commitment and climate of respect we work hard to uphold. In part, recognition of this prior misconduct has caused us to refocus on our culture and climate.

"I've personally visited the Athletic Department on several occasions to meet with the coaches and administrators to communicate my expectations and to highlight their important role in cadet development. The Athletic Department has responded."

Athletics director Hans Mueh told the Gazette, "I think everybody now, we have heightened awareness. We have been hurt by the actions of these really bad actors. From here on, the recruiting process will be much more intensive in terms of character."

Air Force football coach Troy Calhoun, who has overseen the team during the entire period of the investigation, said, "If you're an enabler in any way, if you're tolerating â?? that's out of line. You're not going to work here."

Johnson succeeded Lt. Gen. Michael Gould as the Academy's Superintendent in 2013. Gould was Air Force's Superintendent for three years and now sits on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee.